If Money Were No Object - Optimal Bike Setups

What would you do if you had endless resources to upgrade a current bike versus purchasing a new one?

I was thinking the other day, what would my dream setups consist of and if I could replace my existing bike, what would I choose? I've already figured I could get by with only three bikes *.

Dahon Boardwalk
The Dahon is almost there in terms of commuting and touring abilities on flat terrain. After a couple 30 miles rides, and recent updates to crank, adding new tires and chain, I feel confident in the folder's abilities for more travel aboard this small-wheel wonder. For hauling gear, however, I'd like compact rear panniers, but they must be very narrow to avoid heal-strike. I recently bought two sling bags, which when sewn together, should provide exactly what I'm looking for, in addition to a small duffel bag that I currently use for commuting. Plus, when possible, I prefer to use items on hand. A second wish: a wee bit lower-geared freewheel for more effortless climbing - though that's splitting hairs so-to-speak.

Dream folding bicycle: I'd happily buy a new Boardwalk because a steel frame provides comfort, plus, in my opinion, the round tubing of this particular model is timeless! But if money were no object, I'd select a Brompton because of its reputation and build quality coming out of England - as opposed to Asia. With the ability to fold and fly without hassle and expense, I'd tour overseas. Brompton's are cute and come in cool colors, like purple!

Peugeot St. Laurent
Ideally, I'd swap the current Panaracer Pasela tires for the Tour Guard/flat protected version. Otherwise, my bombproof, scuffed Peugeot continues to function well as an all-weather commuter. I'd love to have 1x gearing for simplicity - I fell in love with the easy-shifting of a rented 1x11 mountain bike recently... My Blackburn pannier continues to be a perfect complement and has held up well after my practical retrofits.

Dream commuting bicycle: For a US option, I've always admired the looks and practical functionality of the Breezer Uptown & Downtown series of step-through styles. They are more lightweight with v-brakes. I'd sacrifice a rougher ride on an aluminum frame because the metal would hold up better against salted New England roads.

Rivendell Clementine
For my step-through touring rig, I'd like to explore narrower tires, curvier handlebars, and a splash of color to complement the blue frame, plus a different rack setup. On the other hand, low gears, plush ride, finally a comfortable saddle (4th one), and adequate, unique - if a bit awkward (click through friction) - shifting all make the Clementine a beautiful build. A great base for upgrades. No problem in the pannier department - I have multiple panniers that fit normal-sized racks.

Dream touring bicycle:  With above-noted tweaks, I think Clementine is it, unless a future U.S. market handles more options for step through tourers. I'd always wondered about a built-up SOMA Buena Vista mixte and whether that set-up would've been lighter, and yet, it's still not a loop frame. I love Clementine's ease of use and isn't something I would sacrifice on a whim.

*I've purposely left out the Peugeot UO14 and Trek Antelope from the discussion. Both bikes duplicate functions and if something were to happen to either one - heaven forbid - I wouldn't replace them.

That Zippy Peugeot UO 14 May Come in Handy!

The Peugeot' UO 14 setup is now spot-on for commuting on flat terrain.

For most of the summer and now into autumn, I've traded commuter duty between the Dahon Boardwalk and the recently upgraded Peugeot UO 14 while I've slowly been sorting out drive-train issues with my Peugeot St. Laurent step-through. I've lamented whether owning five bicycles is really worth it - and I still agree with the reasoning behind it - but sometimes holding onto a unique bike in your stable, quite unexpectedly, has a specific purpose.

Life goes on - sometimes in unanticipated ways.

Now that the Peugeot UO 14's cockpit is dialed to perfection with taller Nitto Technomic stem, Public Brunch handle bars, cushy seat, and pink Kraton grips, plus somehow I had the foresight years ago to put on Panaracer Pasela's Tour Guard tires (flat protected rubber) this lightweight skinny-tired bike is a blast to ride! It cuts 10 minutes off a 7-8 mile commute (from our camp on the lake) compared with any other bike I own. And now that I'm suddenly looking at a 9.5 mile one-way, virtually flat, ride come spring, you can bet I won't get rid of the spirited Peugeot!

WTF Bike Explorers Weekend, Vermont Style

Welcome to WTF Bike Explorers weekend! From as far away as Georgia, upstate New York, NYC, and Boston, we all set off from Old Spokes Home in late July on a hot weekend to spend two nights and 3 days pedaling Vermont's back roads, cooling off in lakes and streams. 

My rig. My front rack loosened on the first evening's ride on dirt and was never the same afterwards, but held up throughout the rest of the adventure. My plan is to focus on the Clementine's rack, seat, and handlebar setup in 2020.

Diversity in experience was also key and, I believe, was the glue that bonded many of us, helping each other through difficult situations: from novice campers riding skinny-tired bikes to bike-packers with numerous WTF trips behind them, plus some whose mechanical knowledge kept us all moving. I fell somewhere in between, knowing my perseverance, low-geared  Rivendell Clementine, and as a veteran camper meant I was comfortable being outdoors. 

My mascot dog, unnamed, and a last minute addition.

All coming from different places meant someone kindly offered tent stakes at dusk when I couldn't locate my own; I lent soap to another who forgot theirs; and giving each other private space when needed. The first night we all scampered down to a beautiful, cold river to cool off - a welcome relief!

Encountering flat tires were teaching moments, time to chat, or use the woods. 12 riders meant we spread out in small groups and no one was left alone.

On the second and particularly difficult day, resupply happened at a coop before climbing and descending for the remainder of the miles.

Fortunately, there was water around though not always easy to get to. I struggled with having enough potable water, but someone brought a filter and filled my bottle as we stopped to regroup on one of the many dirt road intersections. I was profusely thankful. I attributed that boost of energy late in the day to adequate liquid, and especially after swimming for a half hour with others in a lovely warm pond just shy of the campground helped to make another warm evening tolerable.

On the third morning, I split from the group after ten miles and continued mostly downhill on paved roads to meet my husband and shuttle home. It was my birthday weekend and I wanted to celebrate with family. 

I'm very grateful to have gone on such a wonderful adventure with a great group of like-minded cyclists. I hope I get another opportunity in the future.

Voila, A Handlebar Bag for the Dahon!

Using a Gregory backpack top pouch for the Dahon's handlebar bag.

When I took apart an old Gregory backpack, I cleaned and saved a few items that might come in handy. One of the nifty features of this late 80's style was it's modular design. The top pouch was removable and could be combined with the beefy waist belt - also easily detached - to fashion a large fanny pack, should you only want minimal storage on a hike. I also purchased a separate fanny pack-specific piece (in hindsight I don't know why) that also functions similarly: connected to waist belt. My husband has the same pack in a beautiful rust color - and he still uses it - but at the time, purchased two vertical pockets, necessary feature in today's backpacking world where all packs come with water bottle pockets - and a downside with our model.

The top pouch, with it's abundant lashings, side buckles, and sturdy zipper, is versatile enough to latch onto the Dahon almost anywhere! I gave the bag simple structure by adding a sleeve (pictured above) and inserted a dowel - the only modification.

I hooked a shoulder strap to the "bottom", just because I plan on using this extra pouch eventually connected to another backpack for an upcoming trip which will also double as shoulder bag on a flight to our destination. For now, I use the strap to further secure the bag around the Dahon's handle post.

Side view shows massive volume.

As mentioned, versatility is amazing - the current setup stores bike lock, tool bag, and pump. I also can squeeze in other items because of the flexible material.

I recently installed new tires,, a new chain, and previously mentioned new, lower-toothed front chainring assembly - all welcome upgrades.

I am smitten with a little bike with big capabilities that rides like a dream! In fact, the Dahon has become - happily - my main ride until I sort out (ugh) further problems with two other bicycles. And, I've recently purchased two sling bags that should work when connected as mini rear panniers - more on that later!

Law Island Overnight

My Peugeot St. Laurent, all packed and ready to go.

Organized by Old Spokes Home, I finally was able to meet up with folks for the third edition of the Law Island Overnight adventure, on a Friday afternoon in May.

Our watercraft transfer: a canoe with electric motor, transported by e-bike!

The beauty of this overnight: the end goal is to wild camp on Law Island, a mere 10-mile bike ride from the Old North End of Burlington, which makes it accessible to novices - a perfect introductory excursion.

I could barely keep up with the canoe hauling crowd. I have a love-hate relationship with e-bikes (my husband calls them cheater-bikes). Lugging a boat is certainly justified grounds for electric assist, and yet when you ride at 15 mph - at least in my opinion - then even novices have a difficult time keeping up!

We convened at Airport Park, which was a welcome regrouping spot. Our leader, Eric, did a good job checking on everyone.

First-timers. Without racks on her bike, one lady used a large backpack.

Since we had to leave our bike on the narrow causeway and with a high lake level, only a few trees were available for locking to. However, we were creative, using the canoe trailer plus basically piling bikes together with locks. It felt strange leaving my bike behind, but of course, we had to!

It was tricky loading the canoe with people and their gear, especially since the crossing was rough. With 40-degree water and heavy loads, the 10-minute ride was scary.

I thought these ladies were nuts and they were part of our group!

We all made it safely, however, and we enjoyed an evening around a fire. For some reason, after setting up my tent, I discovered I left my sleeping bag behind. I knew I would endure a sleepless night! I borrowed a lightweight jacket, and fortunately, I carried a bag liner and a fleece blanket that I'd planned to supplement my sleeping bag, so that helped. I survived mid-40s F.

The adventure, in spite of my hiccup, was a lot of fun. We saw a full moon rise, a bald eagle fly overhead, and the sunrise was beautiful shimmering on a calm lake, which made for a smooth crossing back to our bikes.

Would I do this trip again? You betcha.